In this unit, students will expand their learning and knowledge of the significance of African and later African American music, as a strategy of survival, work motivation, community building, and an emotive vehicle of both joy and sorrow during the times of the Triangular Slave Trade and legalized slavery in the United States (including Pennsylvania). Students will ultimately gain knowledge and understanding about the impact and evolution of African American music upon the world right up to the present.

The unit is made up of three project-based lessons. The purpose of the project is to enhance students’ skills in primary source research and PowerPoint production and design and teach students about the power and influence of African American music in our world throughout history and today.

The three parts of the project are the following:

1. Research a historical figure: Teacher will present an example of a historical figure associated with African American music in Philadelphia and explain what resources and skills students will need to do independent research. Students will then conduct research on one of two suggested historical figures and create a PowerPoint about him.
2. Research a genre: Teacher will present an example of a genre of historically African or African American music and explain what resources and skills students will need to do independent research. Students will then conduct research on one of the provided music genres and compare/contrast that genre to the early work of the historical figure they chose. Students will then add this information to their PowerPoint.
3. Presentation: Students will present their PowerPoints.